Transfer Analysis: Steven Benda

SWINDON TOWN have announced the signing of highly-rated Swansea City goalkeeper Steven Benda on a season-long loan. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi looks at what Swindon can expect from the 20-year-old.

After what looked to be a quiet deadline day at the County Ground, Swindon revealed their latest recruit to be Steven Benda. Richie Wellens spoke of his desire to bring in another 'keeper, to challenge Luke McCormick for the number one spot this season, following Swindon's 3-1 victory over Morecambe, and he has got his wish. 

With Will Henry and Archie Matthews seemingly both not in Wellens' plans for this season, the Town manager needed another shot-stopper to offer stiff competition for McCormick. And that is exactly what McCormick will have, following the acquisition of Benda.

The German left his home country for Wales in 2018 as Swansea snapped him up from 1860 München. Impressing in his first season, Benda was promoted to the Under-23 side last campaign and won the Swans' Under-23 Player of the Year award. 

The shot-stopper is very much highly-rated by fans who were calling for him to get more game time with the senior squad.

His good form saw him earn a new contract with the Championship outfit earlier in the year, but injury has prevented him from making an appearance for the senior side. Benda was on the bench 14 times last season, and he also made four appearances for the U-23 side in the EFL Trophy, keeping two clean sheets against Accrington Stanley and Charlton in 1-0 wins.

Following the departure of Lawrence Vigouroux at the end of last season, Swindon have been after a 'keeper for much of the window and had Nikolay Krastev as well as Ted Smith on trial in pre-season. However, due to international clearance issues with Krastev and financial problems with Smith, a deal couldn't materialise for either player. 

Benda’s arrival may signal loan moves for Will Henry and Archie Matthews as Wellens will be eager for the pair to gain valuable first-team minutes this season. Luke McCormick is still expected to be the club’s number one, but Steven Benda will look to shake things up as Swindon push for promotion this season.